Five Reasons Why Guardiola Could Succeed Ferguson.

He suits the criteria: Both Guardiola and Ferguson have made youth and attractive football the focal points of the clubs they have masterminded in recent years. The likes of Scholes, Xavi, Iniesta, Giggs, Pedro, Beckham and Messi have all been groomed to near perfection by their respective gaffers and are now legendary names in the world of sport. Guardiola’s naivety may have been exposed recently by injuries to key players Pedro and David Villa, highlighting the lack of depth in the squad but at 41 and with the same amount of Champions League titles as Fergie, the man with the sharp suits has more than raw talent.

Players will do anything for them: It’s the same thing with any new transfer to Manchester United; during the press conference after the unveiling of the player holding his shiny new shirt with his name and number on the back whilst men shout his name and little flickers of camera’s seem to never end they always say “It’s a great opportunity to work with a legendary manager” This may seem clichéd (but when do footballers say anything else) but Ferguson is a magnet for players and he can handle them when at the club too. Lest we forget the Rooney saga only last season. Giving Messi’s obvious non-existence at Pep’s resignation conference due to being overcome with grief, it seems that he also has the ability to make players run till they can run no more. Ibrahimovic may be an exception but his need to be the star player above the needs of the team show why Guardiola was right to let him go.

The Barcelona trophy cabinet: Three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, two Champions League titles, two Uefa Super cups, two Club World Cups and a Copa del Rey in his first four years as a manager of a footballing franchise. Some may say that this is what should be expected considering the side he inherited and that most managers could be successful with his resources but if that were true why have Manchester City not run away with every competition they have entered this season?

The gap year: Guardiola intends to take a year out of football in order to recharge his battery after four emotionally sucking yet unforgettable years at Camp Nou. Ferguson changes how long he will stay at Old Trafford for every few years but he was quoted in February as saying “I don’t think another two or three years would harm me any”. With this in mind and the fact Guardiola is a free agent, the tantalising possibility that Guardiola could come in and be shown the ropes to the Theatre of Dreams by the dream weaver himself would make most United fans salivate. It also shows a level of maturity and intelligence that Guardiola knows if he went straight back into management he would run the risk of burning out.

The Mourinho factor: The last time Pep was given a job the so called special one was also known to be sniffing around and was not too happy that he was over looked. This is all hearsay but for the majority of you reading this it sounds logical. It is also known that Mourinho wants to come back to the Premiership and unless Abramovich comes to his door begging United could be the most likely destination. This could also add some spice to the already delicious recipe for success United have for Guardiola if he wants it. Besides if Mancini doesn’t win something next season he will no doubt be on his way and the unlimited funds, idolisation of the fans and freedom to control the club as he chooses will make Eastlands a great destination for Mourinho. This along with the opportunity to have two of the best managers in recent years square up together for the right to win the Premiership would bring joy to every football fan in England…..except if you support Arsenal, Chelsea, or Spurs.